Appleton man charged on allegations he punted puppy

A 25-year-old Appleton man accused of punting a 16-week-old puppy while drunk made an initial appearance Tuesday in Outagamie County court.

Charles J. Vander Wielen was charged with a felony count of animal mistreatment for killing his friend's dog in the early morning of June 10. He faces up to 31/2 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Court Commissioner Brian Figy set a $5,000 bond along with conditions that Vander Wielen remain sober and no contact with animals without supervision. A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 6.

Vander Wielden told police he killed the puppy at his friend's Appleton residence at around 2:45 a.m. June 10, but vaguely remembers the incident because he was drinking, according to the criminal complaint. He recalls kicking the animal "like a football" from a living room area toward a bedroom.

The complaint stated that an autopsy revealed the dog died of blunt force trauma. A report from the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory indicated that the animal appeared to have suffered a possible skull fracture, brain hemorrhages and was likely held by the back of the head.

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Appleton man charged on allegations he punted puppy

A 25-year-old Appleton man accused of punting a 16-week-old puppy while drunk made an initial appearance Tuesday in Outagamie County court. Charles J.

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